West Ham United's board are not expected to show Gianfranco Zola the door this week.

The Times says Hammers co-owner David Sullivan is unable to dismiss Zola without the agreement of Straumur, the Icelandic asset management company that owns half the club. Zola would be liable for compensation of about £3.5 million if he were dismissed.

In addition, Sullivan is confronted by two problems. First, he claimed that he was not in the habit of sacking managers when he bought his stake in January. Second, there are no credible alternatives to take on the job for seven matches. A shortlist was drawn up, in case Zola departed.